This week is Speech Pathology Week with this year’s theme being “Communication: More than just words”. Speech Pathology is an integral aspect of Lifestart’s early intervention program and we are pleased to recognise the importance of this week. For further information log on to  Speech Pathology Australia. 

Maroubra SLSC has plans this summer to run a new nippers program for kids with disabilities. The club is going to launch the program at the Lifestart Family Fun & Kite Day being held this Sunday 31 August. For more details on the program contact Tim Murray on 0411 129426 or tim.murray@optusnet.com.au. For more information on the Lifestart Family Fun & Kite Day go to Events.

The annual Lifestart Eastern Sydney Family Fun & Kite Day takes place on Sunday 31st August from 10am to 2pm in the grounds of Maroubra Bay Public School, on the corner of Duncan Street & Malabar Road Maroubra. There will be heaps of things to do and see including kite making and flying, Tumbledown Climbing Gym, Jumping Castle, Petting Zoo, Face Painting by Rainbow Fairies, Maroubra Lions Sausage Sizzle and a Giant Car Boot Sale.  There’ll be live entertainment too from local school bands and choral groups, Adele’s Action Kids, Dreaming of Jeannie, Groovetown and a magician. As well as all this, Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club will be launching its great new nippers program for kids with disabilities. Special guests will be the Hon. Kristine Keneally MP, Member for Heffron, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Michael Daley MP, Member for Maroubra and Paul Pearce MP, Member for Coogee.

It’s free to attend so come along and have a great time and support Lifestart’s special kids while you do.

 For further information contact Christopher Cummings on 9807 9700.

On Saturday night nearly three hundred guests assembled in the Grand Ballroom at Acer Arena for the 2008 Lifestart Winter Ball. In a winter environment beautifully decked out in blue and silver and lit by Video Plus, guests wined on Molly’s Cradle boutique wines, dined on Acer Arena’s best and danced the night away to Jellybean Jam. Between times they showed just how generous our supporters are by taking part in the raffle, silent and live auction and wish list purchases. The Silent Auction was a particular favourite thanks to a computerised bidding system from IML. Master-of-ceremonies Vic Lorusso kept the night moving along and Lifestart Chairman Iain Thompson moved the emotions of the room with his personal tale of being the loving parent of a child with an intellectual disability. Thanks must go to the ball committee of Samantha Thompson, Julie Clarke, Sue Neilson, Fran Jones and Lee-Ann Fortuin and the staff at Acer Arena.